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Johns signs as Sea Eagles assistant

Andrew Johns has joined Manly as an assistant coach for the 2013 NRL season, the club announced on Tuesday.

After serving as a part-time consultant to several NRL clubs, the half-back great will now work exclusively with the Sea Eagles across all grades on a permanent part-time basis and will also have mentoring and ambassadorial roles for the club.

Johns, who has assisted Manly's premiership-winning halves Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans previously, said he was looking forward to working with the 2011 NRL champions and head coach Geoff Toovey.

"What's really exciting is working with young players who aspire to become NRL players as well as having an important involvement with the NRL squad," Johns said.

"They are smart players, with huge potential," he said.

"I'm looking forward to working with Geoff Toovey and his team to fine-tune certain aspects that will hopefully continue Manly's success."

Toovey said Johns, who will start with the club later this month, would bring a wealth of knowledge with him.

"Joey's helped us in previous years but it's great to have him on-board now in a more permanent role," Toovey said.

"His technical expertise and knowledge of the game will be invaluable to us."

Sea Eagles general manager David Perry said the acquisition of Johns was a big boost for the club.

"Joey is recognised as one of the greatest rugby league players of all time and to be able to draw on his expertise exclusively will give our club an edge," Perry said.

"He's highly regarded by our players, staff and the wider NRL community, and we're really looking forward to welcoming a professional of his calibre to our staff."